Challenging. Resilient. Bearish. Introspective. These are four ways that industry leaders describe the pork industry in 2023. However, the most interesting word that came forward was “seatbelts.”

While California producers must convert pork production practices to comply with Proposition 12, pork producers across other states might not be so quick to change. Could California struggle to meet their demand?

For some people, getting up in front of people to talk is no problem. For others, it’s the stuff nightmares are made of. Not everyone has the gift of gab or is comfortable sharing their story.

Although anything is possible given the volatility in the markets, economist Scott Brown says it will take a combination of lower corn prices and stronger U.S. pork demand to result in profitability for pork producers.

Here is a look at three unfortunate realities found along the road to Prop 12 becoming law that are both perplexing and disheartening to pork producers across the country.

Why did those three young people choose the swine industry? I think it starts with people they met, network they developed and opportunity they had to tie a career to an industry they benefited from as a kid.